July/August 2020 News for Your Employees Download > Rideshare News for Southern California Employee Transportation Coordinators (ETCs)
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How Has Your Rideshare Program Adapted? ETCs share their experiences with providing help with commute alternatives and managing telework during this era of COVID-19 and social distancing… Jose Hernandez, ETC, Omnitrans in San Bernardino
Get in on the ACT The 2020 ACT International Conference Coming to a Computer Near You The Association for Commuter Transportation (ACT) International Conferenceis still happening Aug. 3-5. Even though in-person events in Denver have been canceled due to COVID-19, you’ll be able to network and get helpful rideshare program advice from experts because the conference is being held online. The virtual event will include keynote addresses that address challenges facing ETCs in today’s workplace, the ACT National Awards Ceremony and more than 30 sessions on topics ranging from telework to vanpooling to diversity to marketing and more. If the time and expense of travel has prevented you from attending an ACT conference in the past, this may be your opportunity to see what ACT conferences have to offer. Fees are reduced to $195 for members, $295 for non-members. For more information and to register, visit actweb.org.
Program changes made in March: As a transit provider, many of Omnitrans’ roughly 350 employees are essential workers. Since the onset of the COVID-19 crisis, however, the majority of administrative staff has been able to switch to telework. “We’ve embraced telecommuting, which we didn’t offer before,” says Hernandez. Staying connected: Omnitrans provided computers to at-home workers who needed them. For those who already had computer, IT staff worked to make sure they had remote access. Microsoft Teams and Zoom video conferencing software kept employees connected for team meetings and conferences. What’s happening now: Staff has recently started coming into the office on a staggered schedule about twice a week and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future in order to minimize contact. A bit of positive fallout—ongoing telework: Although the initial foray into telework was to meet the governor’s Stay-at-Home order, it has proved to be popular among both staff and administration. Says Hernandez, “We have since adopted a formal work at home policy that’s independent of COVID-19 emergency response.” More >
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New Vanpool App>
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How Has Your Rideshare Program Adapted? (continued from page 1) Moving forward Omnitrans will allow two days of telework per pay period for qualifying employees and may expand further. The challenges: Many transit providers (Omnitrans included) have reduced bus service since March due to lower ridership—which presents a challenge for employees who get to work by bus. Omnitrans does offer preferred parking for carpoolers to provide an incentive for that as a temporary rideshare alternative—particularly for employees who may share a household so don’t need to worry about social distancing in a vehicle.
enough apart. “We looked into it and thought it would be safer to ground the vans and try to get more people to telecommute instead.” With people returning to the office, LADWP is phasing vanpools back in—but with strict guidelines to allow for social distancing on the drive. “Vanpoolers have to clean anything they touch. They have to wear face masks.,” Jordan explains. Vanpools may also only seat one person per row and must allow for outside air flow vs. recycled air. What’s next: Employees are slowly returning to the office, with management first. Adds Jordan, “Staff works on rotation once or twice a week, so the office is not full at any time.”
Where to Find Important Transportation Updates
Jada Jordan, ETC, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP)
• Go511.com, transportation information updated daily for Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura counties
Program changes made in March: Even though it didn’t have a telework option previously, LADWP quickly set up systems for at-home workers, providing computers to those who didn’t already have one. For essential workers: The agency continued to offer its transit incentives for those riding the bus or rail. As an option, “We offered them free parking if they didn’t feel safe taking transit,” says Jordan. “Or if the route they usually took was canceled or changed its hours of operation.” (Many transit providers have reduced or canceled routes due to low ridership.) What about all those vanpoolers? LADWP suspended its 96 vanpools during the first months of the coronavirus outbreak due to riders’ concerns they couldn’t sit far
• L.A. Metro: metro.net
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• L.A. Metro’s blog The Source: thesource.metro.net • Metrolink: metrolinktrains.com • Omnitrans: omnitrans.org • Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA): octa.net • OCTA’s blog On the Move: blog.octa.net • Riverside Transit Agency: riversidetransit.com • Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC): goventura.org • In the Victor Valley: vvta.org
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Did you Know? Thanks to Metrolink riders, each year people in Southern California... • Drive nearly 340 million fewer miles. Prevent 130,000 tons of emissions from being spewed into the air.
A Couple Quick Rule 2202 Notes… .
ETC Training The South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD), which had canceled all ETC training since March, is working on offering on-line training to allow ETCs to meet mandates, starting as early as July.
Is Your Plan Due Soon? If your Rule 2202 plan is due by the end of August, South Coast AQMD is providing an automatic 90-day extension. For a due date of Sept. 1 or after, you can contact them mid- to late-July to see if automatic extensions are being continued. If not, you may be able to file an extension request for 30-60 days by the usual process, which includes a $92.48 fee.
For More Information… Contact the South Coast AQMD’s training program at etctraining@aqmd.gov or visit aqmd.gov to ask about extensions or see updated training schedules.
New App Makes Managing Vanpools Easier If you ride in or run a vanpool in Orange County or the Inland Empire, good news: there’s a new app that helps you handle the day-to-day tasks for your vanpool. It makes it easier to... • Identify potential riders to fill vacant seats for both new and existing vanpools. • Fill out and submit monthly reports. • Start up a new vanpool. • Find and apply for vanpool subsidies. • Arrange for vehicle switches when needed. • Create a waitlist for vanpool seat openings, and more. The app in Orange County is called OC Vanpool and is available for free download as of July 1 on Google Play and the Apple App Store. A similar app is expected to roll out in Riverside and San Bernardino counties mid-month (look for updates to come at IECommuter.org). You can access it straight from your mobile device. It’s as easy as logging on and pulling up your profile. July/August 2020 3 •
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Los Angeles Free Virtual Bike Class Metro is offering free virtual bike classes this summer via the Zoom platform. The next one is Sunday, July 11, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. It is a “Bike 101” class and covers basics of bike maintenance and repairs, including how to fix a flat tire while on the road. Find out more and register at Eventbrite.
Metro Partners with Transit App Transit routing, real-time bus and train arrival times, step-by-step navigation and more is now available for L.A. Metro buses and trains via the Transit app. It is now Metro’s official app, replacing the agency’s own app that will be phased out. Other features include personalized service alerts, trip-planning • 4 July/August 2020
including trips with transfers to Metro and other agencies, info for Metro Bike and private ride share services and more. “The improved app is very timely given the ongoing pandemic, as we can no longer rely on transit data from the past,” Conan Cheung, senior executive officer in Metro Operations has said. “There is a new normal in terms of transit demand.” Download it free at transitapp.com.
Metro Service Changes… and Moving Forward Effective as of June 21, Metro instituted service changes on its buses and trains to add capacity for essential travel. Get detailed information on the more than 100 affected routes at metro.net. The service changes are one of the steps outlined in a progress report developed Metro’s Recovery Task Force, which offers strategies to best serve the public during the everchanging Coronavirus pandemic. Among the recommendations are testing and implementing new cleaning practices to prevent the spread of Coronavirus, finding
ways to provide face masks to riders (currently required on all Metro buses and trains), engaging with employers to allow more telework among other strategies. Learn more at Metro’s The Source. To view the full Metro Recovery Report, click here.
Orange OC Bus Restores 60% of Service Many OC Bus routes are now back in service. Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) last month increased its daily levels on most routes Monday through Saturday (it had temporarily been reduced to Sunday service levels due to lower ridership during the Governor’s Shelter at Home order). Regular weekday service has been restored on 14 routes. OCTA also added more bus trips on the busiest routes to help allow for social distancing. This change to a modified Saturday schedule means that about 60% of the regular OC Bus service that was offered before the start of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is now operating. Sunday bus schedules will continue as usual. More >
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To protect riders and drivers, OC Bus will continue to provide special safety measures, including hand sanitizer on every bus, enhanced nightly cleaning of buses and temporary rear-door boarding. OC Bus riders are also asked to wear face coverings on board and follow social- distancing recommendations whenever possible. For updated route information, go to OCBus.com.
Riverside/San Bernardino Omnitrans Fare Payment Now on Mobile App Omnitrans riders can pay their bus fare using the Transit mobile app, now the agency’s app for trip planning and bus tracking. It serves as a “one stop shop” for all of a rider’s transit needs—from finding the best route, tracking bus arrivals, making multimodal connections and more. To purchase single rides or multiday passes, simply tap “Buy Ticket” at
See You in September—Bike Month Gets Rescheduled Better late than never—Orange County will celebrate the postponed Bike Month (usually held in May) this September. Bike to Work Week is Sept. 21-27, with Bike to Work Day on Tuesday, Sept. 22. Stay tuned for information on events and activities. In the meantime, be sure to mark your calendar!
Travel the I-405? Get updates on closures and other construction activity on I-405 as it undergoes improvements between SR-73 and I-605. The I-405 Improvement Project app is available on Google Play and the Apple App Store.
the bottom of the Transit app’s home screen. A series of prompts will guide you through the fare payment process, including selection of traveler type and ticket/pass type. Please note: Token Transit app accounts do not carry over to the Transit app but are still valid to use on the existing account.
IE Commuter Gets a Facelift, Adds Telework Check out the updated website at IECommuter.org, which provides access to rideshare information in Riverside and San Bernardino counties. The website boasts a new look, an easier-to-navigate format and extra features to help commuters discover their rideshare options— and employers to find the tools and resources available to run an effective commute management program. The updated website also includes a telework toolkit for employers. You’ll get helpful tips and worksheets, whether you are looking to: • Develop a new telework program, including tips for establishing policies, setting goals, and managing employee productivity; • Improve or expand your current telework program; • Troubleshoot a temporary telework program established due to the Coronavirus pandemic. There is also a section for commuters to help them get the most from working at home—whether on a short term basis or as part of a longterm commute strategy. More >
July/August 2020 5 •
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Free Metro virtual bike workshop is July 11, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and will focus on bike maintenance basics; find out more and register at Eventbrite.
Ventura Free Telework Webinar Series for Employers Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC) along with cosponsor Traffic Solutions recently offered a four-part Webinar series to help employers institute telework programs both in response to the Coronavirus pandemic and beyond as a commute mitigation strategy. Video of these sessions is now available online and includes:
Metro will host a free webinar for ETCs on managing rideshare programs during and post-COVID-19 on July 16, 10-11 a.m. To RSVP and for log-in information, send an email to SharedMobility@metro.net confirming your attendance.. The International Conference for the Association for Commuter Transportation (ACT) is Aug. 3-5 and will be a virtual event, actweb.org. Please note: Events and meetings listed here may be canceled or conducted as webinars.
Network Opportunities Burbank TMO serves businesses in Downtown and Media District areas; call 818.953.7788, bronwen@btmo.org.
Irvine Spectrum TMA meets regularly; call 949.727.4273, email steve@ spectrumotion.com.
• Part 1: Telework basics, including setting up a program and managing employee productivity
Century City TMO serves businesses in the Century City area; call Linda Paradise Lyles, 310.453.1714, linda@cctmo.org.
Orange County Network meets regularly; email sharetheride@octa.net.
• Part 2: Managing time effectively
Compass at Playa Vista meets regularly; call Aaron Gaul, 310.929.5946, aaron@playavistacompass.com.
• Part 3: Incorporate telework into your ongoing business strategy • Part 4: Real conversations with teleworkers and employers VCTC also provides helpful materials to support your telework effort. Watch the webinar and download materials at goventura.org.
VCTC Service Alerts and Information Get the latest updates on traveling on VCTC Intercity buses and other Ventura County Lines at goventura. org/2020/03/11/ covid-19-update/
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Go Glendale meets regularly; call 818.543.7641. IE Commuter offers bi-annual marketing workshops for ETCs in the Inland Empire; call 1.866.RIDESHARE (866.743.3742).
Pasadena TMA meets regularly; contact Talin Shahbazian at tshahbazian@ cityofpasadena.net. Santa Monica TMO meets regularly; contact Puja Thomas-Patel, 424.330.4298. Torrance Transportation Network meets regularly; call Kim Fuentes at 310.784.7902.
Training Metro Rideshare/Shared Mobility offers free ETC Briefings where Los Angeles area employers can learn about the transportation survey process. Until further notice, briefings are being offered online only. To sign up, send an email to SharedMobility@metro.net; you will be sent a link with a password to log into the meeting. If you can’t make that meeting, email Metro to set up a one-on-one virtual meeting. Upcoming ETC Briefings are July 15 and Aug. 12; contact Metro for information on how to participate on these dates. South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) offers one-day ETC training for $189.73. Online training sessions are being planned starting in July. For schedule information and details, contact the South Coast AQMD’s training program at etctraining@aqmd.gov or visit aqmd.gov.
Rideshare News for Southern California Employee Transportation Coordinators (ETCs)
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Editor/Writer: Jill Smolinski Art Director: Harlan West For subscription information or to change your ON THE GO e-mail address, contact your representative at the rideshare office nearest you. Riverside/San Bernardino Rideshare Program IE Commuter Business: 1.866.RIDESHARE (866.743.3742) Twitter: @IECommuter, @TheRCTC, @goSBCTA Facebook: @IECommuter, @TheRCTC, @goSBCTA Instagram: @ iecommuter, @therctc, @gosbcta Blog: http://www.rctc.org/the-point/
Metro Regional Rideshare/ Shared Mobility One Gateway Plaza MS 99-19-06 Los Angeles, CA 90012-2952 Business: 213.922.2811 SharedMobility@metro.net http://thesource.metro.net/ Twitter: @MetroLosAngeles Facebook: LosAngelesMetro Ventura County Transportation Commission Commuter Services 950 County Square Dr., Ste. 207 Ventura, CA 93003 Business: 951.352.8006 goventura.org/rideshare Twitter: @GoVCTC Facebook: GoVCTC Instagram: @goVCTC
OCTA Share the Ride Programs 550 S. Main St., Orange, CA 92868 Mailing address: PO Box 14184, Orange, CA 92863 Business: 714.636.RIDE option 4 Twitter: @GoOCTA Facebook: OCTASharetheRide
Commuter Information 511 Go511.com Los Angeles/Orange/Ventura counties IE511.org Riverside/San Bernardino counties